14 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs, According to Veterinarians
Adding greenery to your home is a great way to brighten up a space. If you share that space with a beloved dog or cat, then you have to be careful in your selection, as some plants can be toxic to our four-legged friends. Fortunately, there are plenty of houseplants that can add serenity and calm to your home without harming your pets.
Here, we spoke with two veterinarians and a medicinal plant expert to identify a few non-toxic, pet-friendly houseplants you can always rely on. We also gathered a few tips regarding what plants to avoid—and what to do if you think your pet ingested something toxic.
African Violet
According to Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, and senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, African violets are a great non-toxic, pet friendly option. Also known as the cape marigold, it’s an excellent choice for a vibrant, flowering indoor plant.
Size: 6 to 16 inches tall x 6 to 16 inches wide, depending on variety
Growth conditions: Bright, indirect light for 10 to 12 hours a day; well-drained soil
American Rubber Plant
Getty / jobrestful
Also known as pepper face or baby rubber plant, there are more than 1,000 species of this pet-friendly pick, according to Wismer. Jennifer Blanchard, a horticultural instructor specializing in medicinal plants, also highlights the American rubber plant as a good option for dog and cat owners.
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide, though the plant can grow taller if space allows.
Growth conditions: Bright, indirect light; well-drained soil
Aluminum Plant
According to the ASPCA, aluminum plants, also known as watermelon plants, are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. These unique plants are low maintenance and require even watering—though you may have to water more often during the spring and summer.
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 4 to 10 inches wide
Growth conditions: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-drained soil
Blue Echeveria
Getty / JNemchinova
Want a brilliant pop of color year-round? Add a blue echeveria to your décor. This succulent thrives indoors, and it can bloom any time of year, according to Wismer, with flowers lasting as long as four to six weeks. It requires minimal watering about every three weeks. You’ll have no qualms with its beautiful color either, as it’s completely pet safe.
Size: 1-6 inches tall x 1-6 inches wide
Growth conditions: Preference for full sun; well-drained soil
Boston Fern
If you’re looking for a non-toxic plant that’s at home inside and out, consider the Boston fern. This species has tall, beautiful fronds, Wismer notes, making it an elegant statement piece that can safely coexist with your furry friends.
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Growth conditions: Bright, indirect sunlight; requires consistently moist soil with adequate drainage
Not all types of ferns are compatible with pets. Though the Boston fern is safe, several others, like the asparagus fern and the lace fern, are toxic to dogs and cats. Always check the toxicity profile of a fern before you bring it inside.
Cast Iron Plant
Many plants on our list require at least indirect sunlight, but the cast iron plant will accommodate low-light conditions. This low-maintenance plant has elegant, lance-shaped leaves, and takes another spot on Wismer’s list of non-toxic plants. It’s also an excellent option if you’re searching for a housewarming gift that’s as welcoming to pets as it is to people.
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Growth conditions: Prefers low-light, north-facing environment; well-drained, rich soil
Calathea
The calathea was one of the first pet-friendly plants recommended by Blanchard. Known for its striking, tropical leaves, the Calathea family includes dozens of species, each with a unique leaf pattern. It has a beautiful, variegated leaf and can easily survive in any location that receives bright, indirect light. When watering, consider using filtered water, as Calathea are sensitive to fluoride.
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Growth conditions: Medium to bright indirect light; well-drained potting soil or mix
Christmas Cactus
Poinsettias are a holiday favorite, but not for cat or dog owners. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on red winter blooms. The Christmas cactus is an excellent, non-toxic option, according to Wismer. These plants typically bloom around December (hence the name) and, with the proper care, can continue to flower for decades.
Size: Branches can grow up to 3 feet long, with flowers that average 3 inches in length.
Growth conditions: Bright indirect light, well-drained soil
Donkey’s Tail
Getty / Ihor Batishchev
Also known as a Burro’s tail or horse’s tail, the donkey’s tail is a unique succulent known for its plump, bead-like leaves that are often found cascading over pots and planters. According to Wismer, when grown inside, this plant rarely blooms—but you may see flowers when it’s grown outdoors.
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 feet wide
Growth conditions: Prefers high light; well-drained potting mix
Gerbera Daisy
Andrei Lavrinov / GETTY IMAGES
The gerbera daisy, commonly known as a gerber daisy, is an excellent choice for pet owners who want a plant that lends itself to bright spring or summer bouquets— without putting their feline or canine friends in danger.
Size: 6 to 8 inches tall x 2 to 2.5 inches wide
Growth conditions: Full sunlight; grow best in moist, well-drained soil
Parlor Palm
Natalia Gdovskaia/Getty Images
If you have cats that like to munch on leaves, finding a floor plant can be a challenge, as they’re often in direct line of sight (or bite). However, both Wismer and Blanchard recommend the parlor palm, which is non-toxic to both canines and felines.
Size: 2 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Growth conditions: Low to bright indirect light; well-drained soil
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Pet owners searching for a delicate household plant are often drawn to lilies, especially in the spring—but don’t make this mistake. Liza Cahn, DVM, the veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, notes that they’re highly toxic to pets, especially cats. Fortunately, the delicate phalaenopsis orchid can be an excellent, non-toxic swap.
Size: 9 inches to 3 feet tall x 6 inches to 2 feet wide.
Growth conditions: Low-light conditions; well-drained soil mix
Ponytail Palm
Yobab / GETTY IMAGES
If you want to add a tropical touch to your home, while still keeping your furry friends safe, then look for a ponytail palm. This non-toxic plant is another option that both Wismer and Blanchard recommend for dog and cat owners. However, like ferns, other types of palms may be toxic to plants, so be sure to verify the species before you bring it home.
Size: Up to 10 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wide
Growth conditions: Bright, indirect sunlight; prefers dry soil
Spider Plant
Spider plants are another popular, easy-to-care-for plant that’s non-toxic to dogs and cats, according to Blanchard. They also won’t produce pollen, meaning they’re great plants for allergy sufferers.
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Growth conditions: Low to bright indirect light; well-drained houseplant soil mix
Keeping Pets Safe
Even the most well-behaved cats and dogs have been known to snack on indoor and outdoor foliage on occasion. Here are some tips to ensure they stay safe.
Do Your Research
“Before bringing a plant into your household, it’s a good idea to check the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants,” says Cahn. And remember: Even if one type of plant is safe for a pet, that may not be true of other related species. Some popular-yet-toxic plants include azaleas, daffodils, hostas, lilies, lantanas, tulips, and more.
Know the Signs
Knowing the signs can save a pet’s life if it unwittingly ingests a toxic plant. “The symptoms of toxicity vary significantly depending on what type of plant was consumed, how much was ingested, the length of time before veterinary care, and the species, size, age, and overall health of your pet,” says Cahn.
She notes that possible symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, drooling, weakness, tremors or seizures, and changes in drinking and urination patterns.
Seek Help Immediately
“If your pet eats a toxic plant, time is of the essence. Immediately contact your veterinarian, a hotline such as the ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline (expect a fee), or an emergency vet,” says Cahn, “In some cases, symptoms of toxicity may not be immediately evident. It’s still crucial to seek advice from a vet, even if your pet seems to be feeling fine.”
“Be sure to take pictures or bring samples of the plant with you to the vet,” she adds. This can help the veterinarian quickly identify the best treatment plan.
